Farms and agribusinesses need to stay engaged in conversations.  Not just on the state or national scene, but locally.  Erin Tomasik, community relations manager, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, says there's a growing need to mobilize member farmers at the local level to ensure agricultural policies remain fair, as many local government officials now lack personal backgrounds in farming. Organizations like the Dairy Business Association are focusing on "boots on the ground" strategies to counter misunderstandings regarding manure hauling, road weight limits, and water quality. Local boards are increasingly discussing ordinances and moratoriums targeting Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), often driven by a fear that they have no say in how large-scale farms operate. Groups such as GROWW (Grassroots Organizing Western Wisconsin) and Midwest Environmental Advocates are providing frameworks to local activists to push for stricter agricultural regulations. While the entire western side of Wisconsin is feeling the pressure—partially due to urban sprawl from Minneapolis—specific areas like St. Croix, Pierce, Crawford, and Portage counties are seeing intense debates.

A little light snow is drifting across the state this morning.  Stu Muck says we'll see wind chills return to our forecasts, but there is a tick up in temperatures expected next week.

So what does the weather prediction model look like for the growing season of 2026?  Ben Jarboe poses that question to Alex Harrington, Chief Meteorologist with WISC-TV in Madison.  Harrington says forecast the whole growing season might be a little premature, but he does say that current modeling points to a wet spring for planting.

Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom is encouraging teachers to apply for a grant that could land them a $5,000 hydroponics system.  The goal is to focus on STEM learning skills and hands on experiences in the classroom.  Pam Jahnke explains.

What does halal and kosher really mean?  It's not just marketing, it's a practice focused on specific ethnicities and religious practices.  Abdullah Hussaini is the junior vice president of marketing and a commodity broker with Equity Cooperative Livestock.  He's also a lamb producer himself.  He says as the ethnic make up of Wisconsin and the nation as a whole changes, these niche markets are exploding with opportunity for lamb - IF you know the calendar and how to grow for it.